Top 5 Authentic Floating Markets in Thailand

A floating market takes you to a very different Thailand where you get closer to the local life.

Among the reasons that allure millions of travelers go to Thailand every year, floating markets featuring yummy foods, bustling local vibe on the water, unique scenes of long-tail boats, and traditional houses along the canals give the visitor a deeper look into the local life - A very different Thailand which you cannot miss.

If you love to gain a unique experience of Thai authentic culture, note down our top 5 floating markets that will tell you a lot about Thailand.

1. Ayutthaya Klong Sa Bua Floating Market

Regarding the floating market in Ayutthaya, Klong Sa Bua pops up in my mind in the first place because of a reason. Apart from the street Thai food selling from the boats, this floating market is one of a few markets to present cultural shows on the water surface featuring Thai song recitals, and folktales. This is truly an insight into Thai culture and entertainment you would love to watch.

There are pathways for the performers to walk on, so you will feel like these actors are skimming the water's surface. The market opens on both public holidays and weekends, from 10 am to 5.30 pm. Normally, 5 shows are scheduled per day, and of course, they are different from each other. The first begins at 11 am, followed by 4 upcoming performances at 12 pm, 1.30 pm, 3 pm, and 4.30 pm. Surprisingly, they prepare a dozen acts to rotate so that the audience will enjoy new shows even if they come back tomorrow.

Once you are here, be in awe when visiting the Ayutthaya Historical Park – a World UNESCO World Heritage Site in this Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. This is an architectural complex of palaces and temples representing the prosperous Ayutthaya Kingdom. Over 4 centuries of existence, there were 3 palaces built for the Kings including the Grand Palace, Chandra Kasem Palace, and The Rear Palace, and an enormous of temples in diverse styles.

2. Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market

A surprisingly untouched floating market located in a loop of the Chao Phraya is Bang Nam Pheung floating market.

Instead of a crowded canal with a flood of long-tail boats and tourists, this is a truly authentic market with just six or seven boats providing you with bubbling hot foods, sweet treats, and particularly exotic fruits such as Fak Kao, jackfruit. The best way to enjoy this is to sit on the riverbank under a thatched roof and watch the locals live their lives on the boat. Sounds simple but just different from the busy part of Thailand.

Aside from sampling Thai cuisine, remember to have a soothing massage, get some handmade health products, or challenge your singing skill with Thai songs in a karaoke bar. Undoubtedly, these leisure activities can make a memorable Thailand trip for your family. Or if you prefer something more tranquil, exploring the meandering lanes under big trees is much more enjoyable than other over-crowded markets.

3. Tha Kha floating market

Located in Samut Songkhram province, which is around 1-hour drive far from central Bangkok, Tha Kha is a very small and original floating market. Different from others, this market opens on the weekends based on the moon phases, from 5 am to 12 pm. The tranquil ambiance you cannot find in other big floating markets is what you will fall in love with right when you come here. Although the range of products is not diverse, you still taste specialty food representing Thai cuisine. Fatty oyster omelets will be the first you like to taste. For me, I like watching a Thai aunty fry fresh oysters, on a hot griddle. She just did it flawlessly. From cracking an egg on a hot plate, tossing the shell into the garbage and carefully cooking the egg, everything was fast without dropping a beat. And the smell of the egg is so tempting, making me mouth-watering and deadly hungry.

Even not a big fan of spring rolls, seeing how deliciously the lady adds fresh mung bean noodles, cabbage, and minced meat will seduce you into ordering some. They turn out really superb with sour, spicy, and semi-sweet sauces. Tha Kha is also well-known for its local products that you can buy as souvenirs, for example, honey, coconut oil, or coconut sugar. Don't forget to visit the great Wat Bang Kung – a Buddhist temple in Samut Songkhram province. The temple itself is inside a huge Banyan tree and is overpowered by the root systems of 4 plants including Krang, Krai, Banyan, and Sai. Thus, it makes Wat Bang Kung look like a temple developed inside the big tree although it is made out of concrete.

This temple is believed to be built in the 1700s – the end of the Ayutthaya era to protect the Kingdom of Thailand in an army camp during the Ayutthaya war. There is a giant Buddha statue that worshipers have pasted into gold leaves. Not only a religious symbol, but you will also see various statues of soldiers wearing military uniforms as well as 12 Thai kickboxers.  

4. Bang Khla floating market

Situated in the land of two water sources – Chachoengsao province, Bang Khla is a picturesque floating market to assimilate yourself into the local culture through the most interesting elements: food and boats. The market still retains its countryside charm that is worth experiencing even though it is quite popular with Bangkokians. Like famous Thai floating markets, Bang Khla opens on weekends only, from the morning until the early afternoon.

Flashed with happy smiles, you will have a chance to try tasty barbecued fish and seafood, freshly landed and freshly grilled, pickled crabs with papaya salad and fish sauce, or shellfish covered in spicy sauces as well as other exotic delicacies on offer. The most invigorating time of the Bang Khla floating market is between March and May when mangoes are in the harvest festival. It is incredibly exciting to feel a strong sense of pride in the fabulous specialties and the demeanor of vendors.

Having a journey to Bang Khla in other periods would bring you plenty of gaieties that you can enjoy breezy shopping experiences along with a lovely view of the Bang Pakong river. Do not skip the Village of Ban Santitham if you are a nature lover. As A home to over 800 kinds of plants, this enormous herb garden allows you to explore the use of herbal medicines throughout the history of this beautiful country. Don't forget to visit the sophisticated handicrafts, and ancient artifacts displayed inside the house.  

5. Pattaya Floating Market

Believed to be the largest floating market on this planet, Pattaya floating market in Chonburi province delivers impressive performances that are well-publicized features of four areas of Thailand. Hence, this 100,00 square meter market is separated into 4 parts to represent each special location with a unique blend of various traditions from the Northern, Central, and North-eastern, to Southern regions.

Over 80 boats are on standby between 10 am and 9 pm to ferry tourists across the canals to demonstrate Thai wood buildings, bridges, and a chain of outlying islands. You can taste a wide range of fresh delicious dishes on offer while slowly admiring the surrounding architecture and living pace along the river. Want to make your Thailand discovery unforgettable? A major attraction in this area is Wang Saen Suk Hell Garden – an iconographic area of Buddhist Hell , but please note that it is not appropriate for children. There is a collection of monumental sculptures stimulating imagination toward the consequences of committing sins. At the center, you will see a big statue of a man and woman expressing a terrified expression with their hanging out tongues. Likewise, other statues illustrate sinners with the heads of animals with ripped-out organs by birds, or those being cooked in a huge pot.